The Men of the West

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Melody - Eoghan Cóir
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While you honour in song and in story
The names of the patriot men,
Whose valour has covered with glory
Full many a mountain and glen,
Forget not the boys of the heather,
Who marshalled their bravest and best,
When Éire was broken in Wexford,
And looked for revenge to the West.
Chorus:
I give you the gallant old West, boys,
Where rallied our bravest and best
When Ireland lay broken and bleeding;
Hurrah for the men of the West!

2. The hilltops with glory were glowing.
‘twas the eve of a bright harvest day,
When the ships we’d been wearily waiting
Sailed into Killala’ broad bay;
And over the hills went the slogan,
To waken in every breast
The fire that has never been quenched, boys,
Among the true hearts of the West.
Chorus:

3. Killala was ours ere the midnight,
And high over Ballina town
Our banners in triumph were waving
Before the next sun had gone down.
We gathered to speed the good work, boys,
The true men anear and afar;
And history can tell how we routed
The redcoats through old Castlebar.
Chorus:

4. And pledge we "The stout sons of France", boys,
Bold Humbert and all his brave men,
Whose tramp, like the trumpet of battle,
Brought hope to the drooping again.
Since Éire has caught to her bosom
On many a mountain and hill
The gallants who fell so they’re here, boys,
To cheer us to victory still.
Chorus:

5. Though all the bright dreamings we cherished
Went down in disaster and woe,
The spirit of old is still with us
That never would bend to the foe;
And Connacht is ready whenever
The loud rolling tuck of the drum
Rings out to awaken the echoes
And tell us the morning has come.
Chorus:

Repeat with new Chorus:
So here’s to the gallant old West, boys,
Which rallied her bravest and best
When Ireland was broken and bleeding;
Hurrah, boys! Hurrah for the West!

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